What Is Glass Skin and How to Get It?

Let’s start at the beginning, shall we? The term ‘Glass Skin’ is a phrase that originated on the K-beauty scene and quickly went viral on social media. It's used to describe a complexion that is so luminous, it appears to have that reflective ‘glass’ effect. 

Korean Skincare Routine

Essentially ‘K-beauty’ is a name to categorize the Korean influence upon our own skincare routines, as well as the beauty and skincare products that come out of the country itself. K-Beauty is the secret to looking as luminous as possible. Korean skincare is routed around the idea of consistency and commitment to your skin care regimen. If you are consistent with your skincare and committed to looking after your skin day in and day out then you will start to see the results.  Glass skin is similar to the “7 Skin Method” which is all about the K-beauty technique of layering on toner or essence up to seven times after cleansing. You need to use multiple lightweight layers of hydrating products so that your skin looks dewy and plum. While there is no set rule to achieving glass skin, we have narrowed it down to some essentials to take into consideration when wanting to achieve this flawless look. 

How to get glass skin?

While some skincare trends are focused on particular products that promise instant results, achieving glass skin requires a multi-dimensional approach. Achieving this ‘flawless’ look requires a consistent, yet gentle routine made up of cleansers, toners, essences, serums, exfoliators and hydrating moisturizers.  Layering is essential. When using multiple products it’s essential that you use a small, pea-sized amount of the product and allow it time to sink into the skin before adding another layer. This is crucial to achieving the ‘glass’ skin effect, rather than a ‘greasy’ effect which could happen if you overload your skin with too much product and not allowing time for products to be absorbed into the skin. Not only will you be wasting product, but it could also compromise your skin’s health. Remember: Light layers. 

Hydrate

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Intense hydration is at the heart of a glass skin regime. Think hyaluronic acids, soothing sheet facts. The starting point to getting ‘glass skin’ is ensuring that your skin is sufficiently hydrated and moisturised, but to the point that your moisturiser is giving your face that ‘liquid highlighter’ effect without actually using any additional products.  Another product to add to your routine after moisturizer is sunscreen. Most sunscreens give that ‘glowy’ and shiny look to skin. Adding sunscreen as your final step in your routine (which hopefully you are already doing) will help towards this look as the final ‘glowy’ layer and step.  

Try skinimalism

One thing that you want to keep in mind when creating ‘glass skin’ is simplicity. Make sure to keep everything in your routine gentle. You don’t want to be adding in lots of acids/exfoliants or retinol.  Other factors for achieving glass skin:  Having just focused on what skincare can do to achieve glass skin, it’s essential to also review other aspects of our lives to ensure we are leading a healthy and balanced lifestyle. This also plays into the idea mentioned earlier about Korean skincare - commitment.

• Sleep: A good night’s sleep will ultimately help your skin to look rejuvenated and fresh the next morning 
• Exercise: Everyone talks about that post-workout glow. For example, a brisk walk to a cardio workout gets our heart pumping, and blood is bringing oxygen and nutrients to our skin cells. It’s that healthy circulation that helps to keep our skin looking bright and full of life, as opposed to dry, dull and lacklustre.
• Healthy fats: A healthy diet helps our bodies in many ways, but it’s vitally important for our skin, too. And if you’re serious about getting that glassy glow, healthy fats are where it’s at. From cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and tuna, to the millennial masterpiece that is the avocado, they’ll keep your skin looking and feeling hydrated, moisturized and supple.
• Get your 5-a-day: Fruits and vegetables are always good to incorporate into your diet, but they’re especially handy for achieving a glass skin glow. Choose leafy greens, peppers, blueberries, grapes and nuts for foods that are high in antioxidants. They’ll boost your body’s ability to fight against free radicals and bring your skin powerful anti-aging benefits. 

Glass skin for your skin type

Sensitive skin

One of the benefits of the K-beauty world and the glass skin movement is those gentle ingredients suited to sensitive skin. Look out for mild, sulfate-free cleansers and products with naturally soothing properties such as green tea, ginseng and chamomile extracts. 

Oily/combination skin

With oily skin, always go for light, gentle cleansers that won’t over-strip your skin, and don’t over-exfoliate or you could do more damage. 

Acne-prone skin

If your skin is partial to breakouts, look for an exfoliator or serum that has salicylic acid in it. This works by penetrating skin more deeply than water-soluble formulas, to help to loosen old, dead skin so that new skin can surface.  It’s important to remember that there is no quick fix or shortcut to achieving glass skin. Th another routine to help strive towards clear, healthy and youthful-looking skin.

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